Destination: Fall Leaf Peeping Near and Far Today, if you’re like me, you can feel it in the air… fall is finally here! It’s Fall Leaf Peeping near and far and it’s time for you to start planning. The temperatures are cooling, the air feels crisp, and those first hints of gold, crimson, and fiery orange are starting to paint the treetops. For me, autumn isn’t just a season—it’s a vibe. It’s that cozy sweater, the first sip of hot cider, the sound of leaves crunching under your boots… and yes, it’s prime time for one of my favorite seasonal adventures: fall leaf peeping near and far! Brandywine falls in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Why We Love Autumn Now, sure, we all love the brilliant colors, but fall brings so much more: -That extra excuse for weekend getaways -Football games, pumpkin patches, and cozy cabins -And, let’s not forget the festivals – apple cider, pumpkin spice everything, and those little local treasures you can’t find any other time of year And here’s a little fall trivia for you: Did you know that the brightest, most vibrant leaf colors happen when we have warm sunny days and cool crisp nights? That’s nature working double-time for our Instagram feeds! Where to Leaf Peep + Do More Now, if you’re looking for the perfect places to soak in the colors and enjoy a little extra fun along the way, I’ve got several destinations you need on your radar this fall. Shenandoah County, Virginia Let’s start with Shenandoah County, where you can go from mild to wild: Meems Bottom Covered Bridge – Built in the 1890s, this 204-foot charmer is Virginia’s longest covered bridge still open to traffic. Snap a photo here—it’s picture-perfect in fall. Shenvalee Golf Resort – Play 18 holes while surrounded by mountain views and rolling waves of color. Murray’s Fly Shop – Learn fly fishing from the experts, or book a guided tour on Shenandoah’s peaceful waterways. Woodstock Tower – Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, climb to the top and you’ll see all seven bends of the Shenandoah River, with views stretching across the valley.” Branson, Missouri Next up, Branson—a small town with big fall energy. Start at Table Rock Lake: 750 miles of shoreline with fiery reflections of autumn leaves—and yes, the water stays warm enough for a swim! Branson’s Fall Fest: Scavenger hunts, apple cider demos, shopping, and Instagram-ready selfie spots. Don’t miss Silver Dollar City’s Harvest Festival (Sept. 12–Oct. 26): Think Hallmark movie set meets theme park, complete with pumpkin carving, spiced treats, and tens of thousands of pumpkins!” Gatlinburg & The Smokies, Tennessee Heading south to the Smoky Mountains—a fall classic. Peak colors hit mid-October to early November, and you’ve got options: Drive Kuwohi Road or the Blue Ridge Parkway for sweeping vistas. Explore Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail for historic cabins and quiet forests. Hike to Alum Cave or Charlie’s Bunion for jaw-dropping views. And if you love festivals, you’ll want to check out Dollywood’s Harvest Festival (Sept. 12–Oct. 27) and Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival—fall fun meets mountain magic.” Blairsville, Georgia Closer to home, Blairsville is the North Georgia gem you’ve been missing. Hike up Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak, for 360-degree views across four states. Wander through Vogel State Park for waterfall trails and serene lake reflections. Downtown Blairsville brings small-town charm with shops, wineries, craft beer, and chocolate shops circling a historic courthouse. Time your visit with the Sorghum in the Mountains Festival (Oct. 11–12 & 18–19) for local flavors, music, and handmade crafts.” Maine Magic Want to head north? Maine knows how to celebrate fall: Pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and cider donuts at Treworgy Family Orchards. Celebrate local food and art at the Freeport Fall Festival (Oct. 3–5, 2025). Explore Pineland Farms with hiking trails, corn mazes, and family-friendly farm fun. If you love fall as much as I do, then grab your pumpkin latte, because we’re chasing colors across America in this show. We’re heading a little farther from home — to big skies, golden leaves, hidden gems, and cozy getaways. From Wyoming’s sweeping mountain drives to Arizona’s wine country and a grand escape in New York’s Hudson Valley, these are destinations where autumn shows off in all its glory. So stay with me. Beech Mountain, North Carolina And finally, Beech Mountain—Eastern America’s highest town at 5,506 feet. Beech gets color first in the Southeast, and the views stretch forever. Hike, bike, fish, kayak, and birdwatch—or hit the quirky Woolly Worm Festival for small-town fun. Plenty of budget-friendly cabins, chalets, and lodges make it an easy weekend escape.” Wyoming – Wild Colors, Wide-Open Adventures Wyoming — where the landscapes stretch for miles, the colors are bold, and the pace is slow enough to truly savor the season. Start with a scenic drive — Wyoming is made for them: Bighorn Scenic Byway — climb from canyon floor to alpine summit, where golden aspens frame rugged limestone cliffs. Snowy Range Scenic Byway — over 10,000 feet above sea level, this short but stunning route offers alpine lakes and jaw-dropping early-season colors. Chief Joseph Scenic Byway — connecting Cody to Yellowstone’s East Entrance, this drive delivers dramatic switchbacks and sweeping valleys. And the Flaming Gorge-Green River Basin Byway — where fiery cottonwoods contrast against deep red-rock canyons. When you’re ready for a small-town escape, Wyoming’s fall festivals are pure magic: Sheridan’s Harvest Fest — think hayrides, live music, and artisan booths. Lander’s Apple Fest — where cider, orchard tours, and apple treats take center stage. And all across the state, from Riverton to Powell, you’ll find pumpkin patches, rodeos, and cozy farmers markets. Add in Indigenous art markets on the Wind River Reservation, storytelling festivals, and exhibits at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and you’ve got a season packed with beauty, history, and culture. Wyoming invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and savor autumn in the wide open. Arizona – Golden Peaks, Wine Country, and Starry Skies From Wyoming, we head south to a surprising fall favorite — Arizona! Yes, Arizona. And no, it’s not all desert. Let’s start in Flagstaff, a leaf-peeper’s paradise in Northern Arizona. Hike among golden aspens in the Coconino National Forest or take the gondola at Arizona Snowbowl for breathtaking treetop views. And when night falls? Look up! Flagstaff is the world’s first International Dark Sky City— where stargazing at the Lowell Observatory or the Marley Discovery Center will leave you in awe. For campers, Lockett Meadow Campground is the perfect base for fall hikes, while Bonito Campground offers striking views of amber-leaved trees set against ancient lava flows at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.” Cottonwood – Arizona’s Fall Wine Escape Just a short drive from Flagstaff, Cottonwood is Arizona’s hidden fall gem — and yes, it’s also wine country! Set in the Verde Valley Wine Region, Cottonwood offers vibrant foliage, charming streets, and ten local wine-tasting rooms right along Old Town Cottonwood. Imagine strolling boutique-lined streets, pumpkin latte in hand, before heading to the brand-new Merkin Vineyard Hilltop Winery & Trattoria, where you can sip award-winning wines overlooking colorful vineyards and the Verde Valley. If you love the outdoors, hike the Jail Trail along the Verde River or take the adventurous Water to Wine Tour — where kayaking downriver leads you straight to a glass of wine at Alcantara Winery in nearby Camp Verde. For cozy fall stays, book a cabin inside Dead Horse Ranch State Park or settle into the chic Tavern Hotel on Main Street — just steps from tasting rooms and incredible dining. Cottonwood truly delivers that “small-town autumn aesthetic” we all crave.” Prescott – Pines, Peaks, and Perfect Trails Next up, Prescott, where the Prescott National Forest transforms into a wonderland of amber leaves and crisp mountain air. With over 400 miles of hiking trails, you’ll have endless options for exploring — from lakeside strolls to challenging backcountry climbs. Try the Granite Basin Trail for stunning reflections of fall colors across Basin Lake or, for a rush of adrenaline, tackle the Bean Peaks Mountain Biking Trail — a 9.2-mile gravity flow ride with plenty of thrills for every level. Back in downtown Prescott, soak up the vibrant fall energy at the city’s iconic Granite Courthouse Plaza, framed by fiery red and gold trees, then wander Whiskey Row for local eats, boutique shopping, and live music. And don’t miss kayaking on Watson Lake, where the golden foliage pops against its one-of-a-kind granite boulders.” Hudson Valley, New York – Mohonk Mountain House Escape Finally, we’re heading east to the Hudson Valley and the breathtaking Mohonk Mountain House — just 90 miles north of New York City but a world away from the noise. This iconic 1869 Victorian castle resort sits atop a half-mile-long glacial lake and is surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forests — which, in the fall, explode into a masterpiece of color. Guests can hike or bike along 85 miles of trails, join yoga and meditation sessions, or take part in guided nature walks. And for thrill-seekers, Mohonk’s new Via Ferrata — a climbing adventure course along the Shawangunk Mountains — gives you a front-row seat to the sweeping foliage views. Back at the resort, enjoy all-inclusive, farm-to-table dining, cozy evenings by the fire, and an atmosphere that blends luxury with pure autumn magic. It’s no wonder the Hudson Valley is one of America’s ultimate fall escapes.
